In loving memory of

Karen L. Padgett
August 27, 1941 - April 8, 2006

KAREN PADGETT LETTS, Iowa - Karen L. Padgett, 64, of Letts, died Saturday, April 8, 2006, at her home. Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2006, at the Zion Lutheran Church, 517 Sycamore Street, Muscatine. Reverend Paul Ostrem will officiate. Honorary Bearers will be Rita Becker, Marilyn Briner, Rose Carolan, Reita Driskell, Arlene Loerch, Ann Kisner, Janet Martz and Deanna Maxson. Casket bearers will be David Dehrkoop, Douglas Dehrkoop, Daniel Dehrkoop, Kevin Hansen, Mike Paidar, and Thad Driskell. A funeral luncheon will be held immediately following the service at the church with burial to follow at Letts Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 2006, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home, Muscatine. Karen's wishes are that memorials, rather than flowers, be made to Muscatine Zion Lutheran Church Trust Fund, Iowa City Hospice, American Cancer Society, or the charity of donor's choice. Karen was born on August 27, 1941, in Dysart, the daughter of Marvin and Pauline Richards Dehrkoop. She married J. Riley Padgett on March 18, 1961, in Waterloo. She was baptized at the Zion Lutheran Church in Dysart on April 12, 1942, and was confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church in Waterloo on April 3, 1955. She graduated from Orange Township Schools in Waterloo in 1959 and attended Muscatine Community College. She worked as secretary to the superintendent of Orange Township Schools. She retired from HON Industries after 26 years, where she served as Administrator of the Pension and Retirement Plans. Karen was a member of the Muscatine Zion Lutheran Church, women's group, Altar Guild and also served on various committees. She was also a member of the Chapter T of T.T.T., and volunteered at Louisa-Muscatine Elementary Schools. She enjoyed caring for her beloved grandson, baking and decorating cakes and cookies, sewing, reading and flowers. Survivors include her husband, J. Riley Padgett of Letts; one son, Gregory B. Padgett of Letts; one daughter, Kristi K. Padgett Truitt of Letts; one grandson, Nicolas J. Padgett-Truitt of Letts; two brothers, Richard Dehrkoop and wife, Jan, of Marshalltown, and Roger Dehrkoop of Buckingham; one sister, Joyce Hansen and husband, Robert, of Dunkerton; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Vicki Sue Padgett, and a sister, Marlene Reid.

Tributes

Sharon Earley wrote on Apr 21, 2006:

"Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. In Christian love and concern"

John Lodge wrote on Apr 14, 2006:

"Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Karen. We got to know Karen when Vicki was at Crossroads. Karen was a very strong person and we drew strength from Karen as we saw Vicki slip away. God Bless. John & Clyda Lodge"

Lois Hunt wrote on Apr 14, 2006:

"Riley and all, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy with the loss of Karen. You are on a very special pathway of memories. May God lift you up at this time. Lois Hunt"

sharon and bob pugh wrote on Apr 14, 2006:

"We are very sorry to hear about Karen. We are still in Arizona and will not be home for the funeral. Please accept our sincere sympathy Sharon and Bob Pugh"

Lori,, RJ & Becca Shoultz wrote on Apr 13, 2006:

"You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You both were very special to John. John always enjoyed visiting with the two of you."

Jon Dodder wrote on Apr 13, 2006:

"Riley, Greg and Kristi, Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of Karen. We are picking Megan up from college today, but will try to make the visitation. sincerely, Jon and Shannon Dodder"

Linda Gooding wrote on Apr 13, 2006:

"Dear Riley & Family, I am so sorry to hear about Karen. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were all neighbors and that Karen was sharing her wonderful recipes with me. I will always remember her as a warm, kind and caring lady. You are in my prayers. God bless, Linda Gooding"

Bruce W Fuller wrote on Apr 13, 2006:

"Riley Sorry to hear about your wife Bruce"

Coleman Brandworx wrote on Apr 12, 2006:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Our deepest sympathies, Coleman Brandworx "

William D. Lee wrote on Apr 12, 2006:

"I extend my sympathy and condolence to the Riley. Karen was a dear friend."

BLUE FLAME PROPANE wrote on Apr 11, 2006:

"RILEY, WE SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. BOB, CAROL AND CODY BLUE FLAME PROPANE"

Gladys Mosier wrote on Apr 11, 2006:

"Riley, Jeff and I both send our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Gladys Mosier"

Rick and Mary Jane (Luze)Boorom wrote on Apr 11, 2006:

"Riley and family, We are planning to attend Karen's funeral but just a short note to let you know we are thinking of each of you during this time. I have very good memories of playing with Karen when we would go to visit them on the farm when we kids. Hide and Seek was the favorite. But I could never hide in a good spot and I think Karen would tease Joyce and I if she found us.She teased a lot and guess I remember her big smile and always laughing and good natured. Cherish your memories. Love, R&MJ"

Brenda Degner wrote on Apr 11, 2006:

"To the Padgett Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Karen. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely, Brenda Degner"

Emil & Margie Padgett wrote on Apr 11, 2006:

"Riley & Family Mom told me Karen was very ill. We are sorry to here of her passing. Thankfully, because Jesus sacrificed for us you will be reunited again and be with your loved ones. Just because it is temporary doesn't make it easier. May the Lord bless you and ease your pain."

Pastor Mike Townsley wrote on Apr 11, 2006:

"Hi Riley and family, I am saddened by Karen's passing, as I know you all will miss her dearly. Please know that you all are in my prayers and thoughts. We have the certain hope our Savior Jesus Christ gives us...that we will see Karen again. I pray that God through His saints and Holy Spirit will comfort you and help you through this hard time. Since I am gone from the community of Letts, it is hard to keep up on everyone. I didn't know that the kids were living near Letts still. Time flies too fast. It seems like yesterday that we rode the bus with Vickie and Greg and saw you all drive past each day. I am thankful we had great neigbors like you all. I still think of Vickie from time to time and am thankful she is with the Lord. A fellow servant of Christ, Mike"

Coleman Brandworx wrote on Apr 11, 2006:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Our deepest sympathies, Coleman Brandworx "

Dennis & Lou Heiman wrote on Apr 11, 2006:

"Our prayers are with you & your family dennis & lou"

Raymond Family wrote on Apr 11, 2006:

"We send our condolences to all of Padgett family and extended family. Karen was a such a dear woman who gave so much to others. We are proud to have known her for so many years. Her faith was legendary. She was one of a kind. Happy Homegoing, Karen! We love you! The Raymond Family in California Bill, Barb, Doug, Susan, Grace, Doug, Cissy, Tom"

Carl and Judy Carlson wrote on Apr 10, 2006:

"We are coming to Iowa on Thursday. We plan to be there early enough for part of the visitation and the service, luncheon and burial on Friday. The obituary is so complete and appropriate. Our hearts join yours in the sense of loss of this beautiful life and give thanks that her awful suffering has ended. Your were wonderful loving caregivers. That is a supreme gift to a loved wife, mother and grandmother. Judy and Carl"

Jim and Beth Hora wrote on Apr 10, 2006:

"Our sympathy's are w/ you and our hearts go out to you during your time of loss. Jim and Beth Hora"